[C320-list] Autopilot replacement

[Charles Munro]

My Autohelm is also jerking and noisy as Bruce described. We don’t use it a lot but it is useful when motoring or sailing single handed.
I probably need to replace the belt and clean the rollers. Any tips about how to do this? To remove the wheel assembly is it just a case of unscrewing the wheel brake and then the large locating nut?
This is my first post so I hope it is received okay 
Charles Munro 
#1011 2005 Sabi Star
Sydney Australia 
Sent from my iPad

> On 20 Aug 2024, at 12:16 PM, Dan Winsor via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> Have you done maintenance on the wheel pilot? It's fairly easy to replace
> the belt, clean the roller balls, clean and relubricate the motor/gearbox.
> Mine was skipping and complaining almost constantly until I did the above.
> Now it's smooth and quiet.
> 
>> On Mon, Aug 19, 2024, 21:17 Jack Brennan via C320-list <
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Bruce:
>> 
>> If you feel your boat is well balanced in the conditions you sail in, the
>> EV 100 is a good replacement.
>> 
>> The wheel pilots really are best when all you require is minor adjustments
>> to keep you on course. It does this well without gobbling up many amps.
>> 
>> If you find that the wheel requires some muscle to stay on course, the
>> below-deck units are probably right for you. They are stronger and more
>> durable.
>> 
>> In my case, I sail in the Gulf of Mexico. We get plenty of strong winds,
>> and the seas tend to be short and choppy. The 320 handles these conditions
>> well as long as I adjust the sails properly.
>> 
>> More than 20 knots, I sometimes turn the autopilot off and steer just
>> because I think it's the seaman-like thing to do. It allows me to make
>> adjustments for cross seas and the like.
>> 
>> I once did a 140-mile sail from Key West to Boca Grande in 25 knots and
>> six to eight-foot seas. The EV 100 handled it for a time, until the AP
>> pulled the bracket right off the pedestal. I think that was partly my
>> fault. I did a better job of re-installing the bracket when I got to an
>> anchorage.
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
>> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>> ________________________________
>> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of B.
>> Stumpp via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 8:57 PM
>> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>> Cc: B. Stumpp <bstumpp at comcast.net>
>> Subject: [C320-list] Autopilot replacement
>> 
>> After 20+ years my Raymarine ST4000+ autopilot is giving up.
>> 
>> It has always been a bit jerky and noisy, unlike other units that are more
>> smooth and quiet.
>> 
>> Would like to hear what others have installed.
>> 
>> Would also appreciate comments on satisfaction, ease of installation,
>> smoothness of operation, etc.
>> 
>> Thanks in advance,
>> 
>> Bruce Stumpp
>> 
>> #647, Adventure
>> 
>> Middle River, Maryland
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>